One Small Change

2018

"Greater levels of feedback for trainees."

First year trainee,

"It would be great to have a hard-copy list of all the different teams and seat options with a few words about the type of work each team in the firm does. We largely rely on word of mouth from other trainees when making our seat requests at the moment."

First year trainee,

"Ensure that partners get more involved in our development."

Third year trainee,

"The transparency around retention rates and working hours could be increased."

Second year trainee,

"Increase awareness about different seat options so that trainees can make a more informed decision about how to steer their traineeship."

First year trainee,

"Access to working from home would be a much appreciated change. It would be helpful if I could leave at 5.30 pm and then continue to work at home so I can spend some time away from the office. This is particularly relevant when the reason a trainee is staying at work is to respond to emails or review documents that may arrive later in the evening."

Third year trainee,

"Increased pay and more opportunities for trainees to spend time in our offices abroad, even if it's only for short periods of time."

Second year trainee,

"I think the trainee partners should meet with trainees individually once or twice during their traineeship."

Third year trainee,

"Have a qualified careers adviser who is separate from the HR/trainee team. It would be great to have someone to talk to in confidence."

Second year trainee,

"Try to make a conscious effort to improve the work/life balance of trainees. For example, give days off in lieu for longer hours worked."

First year trainee,

2015

"Personally I feel that the resources could be more appropriately spread across the firm, as some trainees are consistently busy when others are not."

Third year trainee, Dublin

"Although the firm does have fantastic secondment opportunities, including placement in the London office, it would be great to see more opportunities arising outside of Ireland."

First year trainee, Dublin

"I believe that fee earners should be encouraged to spend more time explaining to trainees and that there should be more emphasis on teaching trainees."

Third year trainee, Dublin

"More workshops and IT training, particularly in the basics, would speed up so much work, and I feel that time pressure is the biggest pressure in a trainee's day."

First year trainee, Dublin

"Greater knowledge in advance of seat placements during the traineeship would improve things."

Our 'Inside Buzz' reviews are the comments and views of recent graduate recruits, giving you a view of what it may be like to work for an organisation. Copyright of all gradireland Inside Buzz material lies solely with GTI Ireland.